Traveling with a furry companion can be daunting, especially when navigating airline policies and ensuring your pet’s safe, comfortable journey. Fortunately, several airlines have made strides in accommodating our four-legged friends, making air travel more accessible for pet owners. Whether you’re planning a cross-country trip or an international adventure, this guide will help you choose the right pet-friendly airline.

Top Airlines for Pet Travel

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines consistently ranks among the most pet-friendly airlines, primarily because of its low incident rates and customer satisfaction. It also has a stellar reputation for pet safety and comfort. Alaska Airlines has affordable rates for pet travel and one of the highest weight limits for cargo travel.

• Cabin Travel: Alaska Airlines charges a $100 fee for in-cabin travel and allows dogs, cats, rabbits, and household birds who meet the size requirements to board the plane. Pets who travel in the cabin count as your carry-on item, meaning you will likely need to check any additional luggage you bring for your trip.
• Cargo Travel: Alaska Airlines allows pets who do not meet the size restrictions for in-cabin travel to travel in their climate-controlled baggage and cargo compartments for $150. Permitted pets include cats, dogs, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, household birds, non-poisonous reptiles, pot-bellied pigs, rabbits, and tropical fish as long as the pet and their compliant crate do not exceed 150 pounds.

American Airlines

American Airlines is another excellent option for pet-friendly airline travel. American Airlines’ comprehensive pet policy ensures your pet is well cared for during the journey. Their friendly staff and efficient processes make them a reliable choice for pet owners. However, American comes with some restrictions that may make it difficult for non-military families to relocate larger pets.

• Cabin Travel: You may count a cat or dog that meets the size, age, and destination requirements as a carry-on item with American Airlines. The airline charges a flat fee of $150 per pet who travels in the cabin.
• Checked Pets: American Airlines only accepts checked pets for active-duty U.S. military and State Department personnel with official relocation or travel orders.
• American PetEmbark: If your pet does not meet cabin or checked travel requirements, you can also contact American Airlines about their American PetEmbark cargo transport. The fees and details for this vary based on your point of origin and destination.

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines provides a unique travel experience for pet owners looking to explore the beautiful islands. Although the airline only offers non-stop service to Hawaii from destinations in North America, Asia, and the South Pacific, it is one of the best options for families who are relocating to or from Hawaii.

• Cabin Travel: Hawaiian Airlines allows dogs and cats in-cabin on inter-island flights and most North American routes. There is a $125 fee for in-cabin pets for travel between North America and Hawaii and just a $35 fee for transport between islands.
• Checked Baggage: Hawaiian Airlines also allows travelers to fly with domesticated dogs, cats, and household birds as checked baggage. Due to Hawaii’s rabies-free status, however, you must meet all requirements to bring your pets into Hawaii.
• Pets as Cargo: If your pet does not qualify for cabin or checked baggage travel, you may still be able to relocate your pet using Hawaiian Airlines Cargo. We recommend contacting the airline directly for specific information on this.

Airline Options for Active-Duty Military

Delta Airlines

Delta Airlines is another viable option for some pet owners. The airline offers one of the most extensive route networks amongst domestic airlines but has more restrictions than other airlines on this list. Namely, you can only travel with pets who meet the in-cabin rules unless you are active-duty military. Additionally, the airline’s pet travel fee varies between $75 and $200, depending on the destination and other information.

United Airlines

Like Delta, United Airlines only allows pets to travel in-cabin unless you meet the active-duty military requirements to use their cargo option. Furthermore, United Airlines places additional restrictions on destinations, meaning even for military families, the airline is only an option for certain orders.

Airlines That Allow In-Cabin Pets Only

Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines takes a “family first” approach to travel, including household pets. However, the airline’s pet transportation has numerous restrictions. These restrictions include not only pet size requirements but also destination options.

Frontier Airlines generally allows domesticated dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and small household birds to fly in-cabin for domestic flights. The airline charges a non-refundable $99 fee per pet per direction.

JetBlue Airways

JetBlue Airways can also help pet parents who want to take their pets with them on a flight. They charge a $125 fee for pet travel and allow dogs and cats in-cabin. You can only take up to two pets, and each must be in their own carrier. That being said, the airline’s extensive route network ensures you can easily reach your destination.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest’s straightforward policies and affordable fees make them an attractive option for pet owners. It allows small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs to travel in-cabin for a $125 fee each way. Additionally, pet parents can purchase a compliant pet carrier at the ticket counter of any airport Southwest Airlines serves for $58.

Special Considerations for Pet Travel

Traveling with pets requires careful planning and consideration of various airline policies to ensure a smooth journey. While choosing a pet-friendly airline is critical, understanding specific restrictions and requirements is equally important.

Breed Restrictions

Airlines often have breed restrictions to ensure the safety and comfort of pets and passengers. Some breeds, particularly brachycephalic or “short-nosed” dogs like Bulldogs and Pugs, may face travel restrictions due to their increased risk of respiratory issues. Before booking a flight, you will want to check if the airline has breed-specific policies. Doing so can avoid potential issues and ensure your pet’s safety during the flight.

Age and Health Requirements

Your pet’s age and overall health can also impact their ability to fly with one of these pet-friendly airlines. Airlines typically have age requirements for pets, often requiring them to be at least eight weeks old before flying. Additionally, most airlines require a health certificate from a veterinarian, verifying that your pet is fit for travel. This step helps mitigate the risk of health-related incidents during the flight, offering peace of mind for pet owners. Always consult with your vet before air travel to ensure your pet is ready for the journey.

AirPets International: The Best Pet-Friendly Travel Option

AirPets International is a leading choice for families who need help relocating their pets. For over 20 years, we have assisted families with relocations. Our team understands the deep emotional bond between pets and their owners.

We provide both domestic and international pet relocation options, along with other complimentary services to help you easily plan your pet’s entire relocation from door to door or airport to airport. Our expertise in managing pet travel provides peace of mind, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your move.